Obituary of Louis Remson Avant

Ray Avant, 87, of Columbia, SC, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital. He was one of 7 children born to the late Landy Wood Avant, Sr. and Ella Grier Avant in Georgetown, SC. As a youngster, Ray loved to box, and won several Golden Glove tournaments during his young life. After graduating from Winyah High School, Georgetown, SC, in 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy, and during that time, Ray boxed for the US Naval Team. He was assigned to Admiral Nimitz' boat crew (CINPAC) as boatsman's mate where he transported dignitaries from the USS South Dakota to the USS Missouri when the Peace Treaty of WWII was signed. Ray attended the University of South Carolina and was the only boxer ever to receive a full boxing scholarship. Ray was a three time Southern Conference welterweight champion, and his successes led him to a place in the USC Sports Hall of Fame. In 1987, he retired from the Ashland Oil Company after 38 years of service. He was a lifelong member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he chaired many committees and taught the same Sunday school class for over 40 years. He was a lay speaker. He won the Denman Evangelism award in 2003, which recognizes exemplary and significant leadership in the UMC evangelism commitment. Ray was active in mission work; regularly worked with Meals on Wheels in the Columbia community; and was chairman of the Council on Ministries and many other committees over the years at Asbury UMC. Ray acquired many nicknames during his lifetime. In his boxing years, his Navy buddies labeled him "Killer Ray Avant" because of his boxing success. Ironically, in later years, his mission work and love for his church and community earned him the nickname "Saint Ray". Ray was an avid golfer and could often be found on the greens on a sunny day. He loved to dance, play the guitar and harmonica, and could carry a good tune with his wife, Reba as well. He was married to his wife of 45 years, Reba Flowers Avant. He is survived by three children: Beth Avant White (Larry), Dianne Avant Rutledge (Steve) and Louis Avant, Jr.; three grandchildren; James Wesley Meetze, Adam Blair Meetze, Rae Meetze Botts and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. William Earl "Bill" Avant (Eleanor) and Landy Wood Avant, Jr. (Patsy); and one sister, Frances "Frankie" Avant Dodd (Bruce). Mr. Avant was preceded in death by one brother, James Dalvin Avant, Sr. (Carolyn) and two sisters, Vernice "Bunny" Avant Wilson and Mildred Avant Juk. A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 1:00 P.M., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1005 Asbury Drive, Columbia, SC 29209. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Asbury United Methodist Church. Ray's love, dedication and service to his Lord, his country, as well as his family and his community has been a blessing to us all; and his indelible mark will forever be imprinted on our hearts.